Local 721 Committed to a More Democratic Union

Member Work Groups Guide the Transition to Regional Local

Since last summer, members and staff from former SEIU Locals 347, 535, 620, 660, 998, and 1997 have been coming together in six Work Groups to develop plans and a structure for the new Local 721. The Work Groups are making recommendations for the new union that will be stronger, more democratic and help reverse union members’ dwindling numbers and strength. In grappling with these major issues, members of the work groups are testing ideas and considering national models as well as best practices in Southern California. They are making recommendations to Local 721’s interim Board of Directors.
The Work Groups, which are open to all members to observe, include:

GOVERNANCE

What structures can be established to give members the strongest voice in Local 721? What governance system can we create to make the new local even more democratic than the local that it is replacing?

Next Meeting: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, March 24 LA and OC Cities Office, 1015 Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA 90017

ORGANIZING

How can we best allocate our resources to grow and strengthen Local 721 membership throughout our seven-county region? What are the priority targets?

POLITICS

How do we elect work with and elect officials who prioritize health care, improving quality public service and are committed to working people and their families? How do we most effectively hold elected officials throughout the region accountable?

LEADER AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

What kinds of leaders do we need in the new union? How many do we need? How do we consistently recruit, train, develop and mentor leaders and staff?

MEMBER INVOLVEMENT

How can we consistently involve more members in the new union? How do we best communicate with more than 85,000 members?

REPRESENTATION

How can we provide efficient, member-friendly, professional representational services to Local 721 members that take full advantage of new technologies and the skills and experience of Local 721 stewards and staff?

All Work Groups, except Governance, will meet 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 27
at SEIU 721, 500 S. Virgil Ave., LA, CA 90020
For any questions or additional information,
please call Bart Diener at (213) 368-8634, bdiener@seiu660.org